Grosset Gaia 2012

Clare Valley – Only 600 dozen produced

This 23rd release of Grosset Gaia is also one of the smallest in volume, due to the Gaia vineyard rejuvenation program.

An outstanding Gaia from an outstanding Clare Valley vintage. This single vineyard red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from a rocky, isolated, wind-swept two hectare block close planted by Grosset in 1986. Although the 2012 Grosset Gaia remains as it always has, a dense, age-worthy red, recent vintages seem more approachable at a younger age. While this remains an accurate assessment of the young 2012, it will be impossible to taste or drink it without noticing the power and depth of the tannins on this current release.

Here is a young red that will benefit from time in the bottle. That said, it’s a remarkable cabernet blend with voluminous red berry aromatics, deep opulent blackcurrant, dark plum and redcurrant characters with hints of licorice, chocolate and wild brambles. It has layer after layer of concentrated flavours, power and density, balanced by substantial fine-grain tannins. Complex, arresting and satisfying.

In 2014, Grosset Gaia was included on the Langton Classification of Australian Wine, widely regarded as the best publication of its kind outside Europe. This recognises Grosset Gaia as one of the most sought-after wines produced in this country.

Date of Release: 1 March 2015

Tyson Stelzer ‘Wine Taste Weekly’ Edition 171, August 2015

…it’s at once ethereally fragrant with violet perfume, intensely varietal in its capsicum and leaf, and deep in its blackcurrant core and impeccable frame of dark chocolate oak. Tannins are fine, yet with a firm confidence that promises decades of potential. In all, a wonderfully al dente juxtaposition between tangy, edgy, just ripe cabernet definition and compelling blackcurrant and mulberry depth. Patience. 96 Points

Mike Bennie ‘The Wine Idealist’ 9 December 2014

…the fine, lacy, medium-bodied architecture of the wine is woven well. Scents are splintery, wood-orientated, but backed up with plums, figs, choc-powder and green herbal things. There’s a light juiciness to taste, but firm, grey, brick-dusty lattice-work of tannins manoeuvre the wine through the mouth and finish it with building pucker. Great Stuff. 94 Points